Source: Motor Illustrated
Only five years ago, the answer to the question "What 3-row SUV?" would have been, without hesitation: Acura MDX. For months shy of a full 20 years, the Acura MDX has paved and led the way for all other larger midsize 3-row SUVs, be they from luxury brands or otherwise.
The third generation of the venerable Acura MDX arrived for the 2014 model year and got the usual once-over for 2017. Now, in the automotive world, dating "back" to 2014 means that a vehicle is getting on in age - this is the harsh reality. But where the current Acura MDX differs is that it has excellent bones and a really good heart.
The 2020 Acura MDX Tech is the wise value-packed version of this SUV and it helped make the MDX's case. All of these SUVs, save for the hybrid, use Honda's excellent 3.5-litre V6 which is one of the vehicle's greatest assets. In fact, its entire drivetrain is a big win. With 290-horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from 4,700 rpm, forward momentum is quickly achieved.
We love that Acura's SH-AWD is a continued triumph in performance, efficiency. We also appreciate the display that depicts which wheels are getting more torque.
We're also fans of the 2020 Acura MDX's cabin. The seats, another Acura staple, are supportive and comfortable, in both the front and second rows. The third row remains a decent back-up plan. When not in use, the boot reveals 1,087 litres of useable volume with plenty of bins and storage - the same goes throughout the cabin.
The 2020 Acura MDX Tech includes the signature Jewel headlights, blind-spot monitoring, 20-inch wheels, navigation and extra attention in keeping the cabin quiet over the base vehicle. Basic standard features include a power hatch, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, remote starter, many active safety elements and much more.